MP flags waste management gaps as Centre steps up SBM-U funding for Bengal

Raising concerns over solid waste management in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista questioned the Union government in Parliament during the ongoing session, seeking clarity on fund allocation and utilisation under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U).

Replying on behalf of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the House that West Bengal received Rs 911.34 crore during the first phase of SBM-U (2014–19), which has been enhanced by nearly one-and-a-half times to Rs 1,449.30 crore under SBM-U 2.0 (2021-26).

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Bista further pointed out that the central government has so far released Rs 577.70 crore specifically for the solid waste management (SWM) component of SBM-U 2.0 for West Bengal, creating significant opportunities for municipalities in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kurseong, Mirik and Kalimpong.

“With this level of central support, urban local bodies in our region can establish material recovery facilities (MRFs) and waste-to-energy (WtE) plants, and significantly upgrade their waste processing capacity,” Bista said.

Emphasising the ecological sensitivity of the region, Bista noted that effective waste management could be transformative for tourism-driven and fragile hill areas. “Improved source segregation, remediation of legacy dumpsites and terrain-appropriate waste technologies can curb open dumping. This will not only improve hygiene and tourism prospects but also help mitigate landslides caused by poor waste handling,” he added.

Highlighting national progress under SBM-U 2.0, Bista said waste processing across India reached 80.31 per cent by December 2025. Of the 25.06 crore metric tonnes of legacy waste spread across 2,478 dumpsites, around 15.37 crore MT (61 per cent) has already been remediated, reclaiming over 8,000 acres of land. “Similar outcomes can help municipalities in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts move decisively towards a ‘Garbage-Free’ status,” he said.

However, Bista expressed concern over the utilisation of central funds by the TMC-led West Bengal government, alleging that despite enhanced allocations under SBM-U 2.0, municipalities in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars are yet to see tangible benefits on the ground.